“I fail to see the urgency of this,” he said of the referendum to be held on the same day as the presidential election on October 27th.

Minister for Justice and Defence Alan Shatter defended putting the matter to the electorate, saying the move was motivated by the Government’s desire to achieve fairness across the public service in the face of an “economic tsunami”.

He did not believe, if passed, the proposal would be abused by future governments, who would have the power to reduce or increase judges’ remuneration.

“I believe it will stand the test of time,” he told broadcaster Pat Kenny on
Frontline.